A Comparative Study of Coastal

Management Between Mount

Lavinia and Galle Face
International Baccalaureate Geography Standard Level
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Candidate Name
Candidate Session Number
Candidate Code
School Name
Examination Session
Pages
Word Count

Rukmal Weerawarana
001426-005
dwd913
The British School in Colombo
MAY 2013
57
2376

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I would like to thank my Geography Internal Assessment supervisor,

Ms. Juri Burman for her undying support and encouragement to write this report. I would not have
been able to complete this dissertation without her guidance. Lastly, I would also like to sincerely
thank my parents for allowing me to conduct this research, and for keeping up with my hectic
schedule. I would not have been able to complete this essay without them.

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4
Background Information .................................................................................................................................. 4
Aim ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Hypotheses ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Study Areas ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Location A Galle Face Green, Colombo 3 ...................................................................................................... 6
Location B Mount Lavinia Beach, Mount Lavinia ..................................................................................... 11
Methods of Data Collection ............................................................................................. 15
Data Collection Methods ................................................................................................................................ 15
Random Sampling .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Systematic Sampling ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Questionnaires ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Maps ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Photographs .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Application of Data Collection Methods to Hypotheses ........................................................................... 15
Hypothesis 1 ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Hypothesis 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Hypothesis 3 ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Data Processing ................................................................................................................ 16
Qualitative Data Processing ........................................................................................................................... 16
Galle Face ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Mount Lavinia ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Litter Survey Processing ................................................................................................................................. 30
Galle Face ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
Mount Lavinia ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Comparison ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Potential Hydrogen (pH) Processing ............................................................................................................ 32
Water Transmittance Processing ................................................................................................................... 33
Galle Face ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
Mount Lavinia ................................................................................................................................................ 33
Comparison ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
Safety Survey Processing ................................................................................................................................ 35
Galle Face ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Mount Lavinia ................................................................................................................................................ 35
Comparison ..................................................................................................................................................... 36

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Beach Safety Survey Processing .................................................................................................................... 37

Galle Face ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
Mount Lavinia ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Comparison ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 38
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 41
Evaluation .......................................................................................................................... 42
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................... 43
Appendix A: Raw Data and Readings ............................................................................ 45
Galle Face .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Qualitative Observations ............................................................................................................................... 45
Litter Survey ................................................................................................................................................... 46
Potential Hydrogen (pH) ................................................................................................................................ 46
Water Transmittance ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Safety Survey .................................................................................................................................................. 48
Beach Safety Survey ....................................................................................................................................... 48
Mount Lavinia .................................................................................................................................................. 49
Qualitative Observations ............................................................................................................................... 49
Litter Survey ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Potential Hydrogen (pH) ................................................................................................................................ 50
Water Transmittance ...................................................................................................................................... 50
Safety Survey .................................................................................................................................................. 51
Beach Safety Survey ....................................................................................................................................... 51
Appendix B: Averages for Litter Survey Processing ....................................................... 52
Galle Face .......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Mount Lavinia .................................................................................................................................................. 52
Appendix C: Averages for Potential Hydrogen (pH) Processing ................................. 53
Galle Face .......................................................................................................................................................... 53
Mount Lavinia .................................................................................................................................................. 53
Appendix D: Averages for Water Transmittance Processing ........................................ 55
Galle Face .......................................................................................................................................................... 55
Mount Lavinia .................................................................................................................................................. 55
Appendix E: Calculation of Spearmans Rank correlation coefficient for pH ............ 57

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Introduction
Background Information
Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, at the latitude of 7N and the longitude of 81E.1
The two study areas are located within and in the vicinity of the economic capital of the country,
Colombo. Colombo has a population of 681,000 (2009).

Figure 1 Map of Colombo

(Central Intelligence Agency)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Aim

Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp spike in tourism rates after the end of a long civil war2,

resulting in an increase of tourists numbers in Colombo. Places that used to be of local interest have
now become international tourist destinations. Thus, it was decided to investigate and evaluate the
effectiveness of the protective and managerial measures undertaken by the relevant authorities in
protecting these prime locations.

The topic is related to the core topic of patterns in environmental quality and sustainability

and the option topic of oceans and their coastal margins as well as leisure, sport and tourism.
The following hypothesizes were formulated to carry out the investigation:

Hypotheses
1. The coastline is preserved at both sites by building and maintaining
defense mechanisms, which allows people to access the beaches.
2. Human impact has degraded the environmental quality of the beaches.
3. Both beaches will have some form of security, but Mount Lavinia will be a
safer place to visit at night.

These hypotheses would help analyze the need for integrated planning in the tourism

sector, which involves developing tourism-related infrastructure.

(Department of Government Information)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Study Areas
Location A Galle Face Green, Colombo 3

Galle Face Green is located in the center of Colombo, at the intersection of the main road to
Galle, and the main road to the center of the city (Fort). For this investigation, it was divided into 3
separate segments, namely Site 1, Site 2 and Site 3.
Englishman Sir Henry Ward built it in 1859; just 3 years after construction began in 1856
(Figure 2). It was also nearly acquired by a private company in 2004, but the Supreme Court of Sri
Lanka overruled the decision in 2005.3
To analyze the layout of Galle Face Green, land usage maps were drawn for each of the
individual sites. In addition to this, road maps were also considered to provide valuable insight into
the nature of the study area.

Figure 2 Picture of plaque erected when Galle Face was opened in 1859

(Silva)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 3 Road map of Location A (Galle Face Green)4

(Google Inc.)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 4 Land usage map for Site 1 of Location A (Galle Face Green)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 5 Land usage map for Site 2 of Location A (Galle Face Green)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 6 Land usage map for Site 3 of Location A (Galle Face Green)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

10

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Location B Mount Lavinia Beach, Mount Lavinia

The Mount Lavinia Beach is located in the town of Mount Lavinia, one of the immediate
suburbs of Colombo. At 12km from Fort,5 it is a popular tourist destination housing some of the
nations most popular hotels such as the Mount Lavinia Hotel.6

The Mount Lavinia Beach gained popularity with the launch of the Mount Lavinia Beach

hotel over 200 years ago.7 In addition to this, the location also has substantial sporting significance,
with the Sri Lanka Annual Sea swim being held at the beach for 75 years.8
Land usage maps were drawn for the Mount Lavinia Beach to better analyze the study area.

Figure 7 Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel

(Google)
(Mount Lavinia Hotel)
7 (Mount Lavinia Hotel)
8 (Daily Mirror Online)
5
6

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

11

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 8 Road map of Location B (Mount Lavinia Beach)9

(Google Inc.)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

12

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 9 Land usage map for Site 1 of Location B (Mount Lavinia Beach)

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

13

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 10 Land usage map for Site 2 of Location B (Mount Lavinia Beach)

Word Count - 456

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

14

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Methods of Data Collection

Data Collection Methods
Random Sampling
This method of data collection was used during peak hours, as both locations are chaotic,
which makes it impossible to sample data symmetrically.
Systematic Sampling

Data was collected systematically for pH and water transmittance tests. As these tests do not
require human interaction, systematic sampling of water and litter was possible during peak hours.

Questionnaires
This method was used to collect information from individual opinions of the visitors.
Random samples were selected and interviews were carried out using closed questionnaires.
Maps
To study the noise levels and air quality road maps were used. They provided information
on number of main roads in the study areas.

Photographs

The conclusions of the study are derived based on qualitative data so photographs prove to
be valuable visual evidence for supporting the observations.

Application of Data Collection Methods to Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1

The defense mechanisms present at each location were visually observed and photographed.
The effectiveness of these mechanisms was then measured by comparing the current state of the
beach to previous records of the beach.

Hypothesis 2

Testing both the condition of the water and the beaches proved this hypothesis. The water
was tested for transmittance and potential hydrogen (pH). Water transmittance was used as a
measure of the amount of pollution in the water at the study areas. To do this, a total of 10 water
samples were collected per site, with a 10m interval. To measure the cleanliness of the beaches,
number of pieces of immediately visible litter at each of the sites was counted. The liter was then
divided into categories: paper, plastic, glass and other.

Hypothesis 3

Questionnaires were used to collect information. To do this, the random data sampling
method was used. The total number of lifeguards and security officers at the locations were counted
to observe the security levels.
Word Count - 284

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

15

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Data Processing
Qualitative Data Processing
Galle Face

Figure 11 Rock slab formed due to erosion in site 1

Rock slab caused by

erosion from the waves

Groin to protect the

beach from further
sediment

transfer,

which leads to erosion

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

16

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 12 Graffiti on pier in site 1

Pier in site 1

Graffiti drawn using

local spray paint

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

17

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Plastic bottles

found on the
beach

Other types of
litter
include

seen
shoes

and caps


Remains of rock
armor examples
of

active

wave

erosion

Figure 13 Observed waste materials in site 1

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

18

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 14 Picture of drain containing waster in site 2

Trash is made up of
empty

food

packs,

plastic packages and

cans

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

19

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 15 Quality of beach in site 2

Alcohol
The

large

Bottles

Trash dumped by
waves form patterns

amounts of trash

reflecting

on

quality of water.

the

attracts
and

beach

bad

crows
other

animals

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

20

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 16 Drain brining polluted water from Beira Lake in the sea in site 3.

The green color shows

the presence of algae
resulting from chemicals
Polluted green color of

in the water

the Beira Lake water

shows low levels of

Groins are used to

protect the beach
from wave erosion

oxygen

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

21

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 17 Gabions in site 2

Gabion submerged
Break in the wire

due to high levels

mesh of the gabion

of

has caused trash to

transfer

sediment

spill out

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

22

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 18 Picture of trashcans located in site 2

Low maintenance have caused

trashcans such as this one to

IB Geography SL

become damaged

001426-005|dwd913

Trash is sorted for

recycling

23

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 19 Historic war cannons on the sea wall at Galle Face Green10

(Kirill)

10

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

24

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Mount Lavinia

Figure 20 Mount Lavinia Hotel

Hedges and a sea

Direct access to the

wall

beach is available

protect

the

hotel and the beach

from wave erosion

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

25

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 21 Picture of wide beach in site 1

Lifeguards from the
hotel put up flags that
warn the public about
the tides

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

26

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 22 Picture of litter seen at site 1

Large pieces of litter are

transferred to this section
of the beach due to long
Compared to Galle

shore drift

Face, relatively low

amounts of litter is
seen

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

27

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 23 Picture of wall of Mount Lavinia Hotel facing the sea

During high tide,

Trash deposits here

water

reaches the wall of the hotel

due to long shore drift

during high tide

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

28

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Figure 24 Picture of Site 2, taken from the Mount Lavinia Hotel

In this section, the beach

Rock armor protects
the railway tracks

is much smaller than

site 1

from high tide water

Rocks in the water make

this

area

unusable

for

swimming

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

29

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Litter Survey Processing

Galle Face

Plastic
Glass
Paper
Other

Graph 1 Galle Face Litter Survey distribution

Mount Lavinia

Plastic
Glass
Paper
Other

Graph 2 Mount Lavinia Litter Survey distribution

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

30

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Comparison

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

Galle Face

Mount Lavinia

Graph 3 Comparison of the number of pieces of litter per site

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

31

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Potential Hydrogen (pH) Processing

Due to the fact that the ocean is a large, highly diffusive body of water, comparing readings

taken at the different sites at the two locations would not yield any insight into the problem at
hand. Thus, the Spearmans Rank correlation coefficient (! ) will be used to investigate the presence
of a relationship between the potential hydrogen (pH) levels of Location A and Location B.

However, as the Spearmans rank only allows two sets of data to be compared, each of the

incremental readings for the three sites at location A and the two sites at location B were averaged
to obtain two sets of data for the two locations. This method was considered viable as very little
variation was observed in the pH values when the two sites are considered independently.

The calculation of the Spearmans Rank correlation coefficient can be seen in Appendix E.


Spearmans Rank Correlation Coefficient:
= .

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

32

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Water Transmittance Processing

Galle Face

97.50%
97.00%
96.50%
96.00%
95.50%
95.00%
94.50%

Site 1

Site 2

Sie 3

Graph 4 Per-site Galle Face Water Transmittance distribution

Mount Lavinia

100.14%
100.14%
100.13%
100.13%
100.12%
100.12%
100.11%
100.11%

Site 1

Site 2

Graph 5 Per-site Mount Lavinia Water Transmittance distribution

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

33

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Comparison

101.00%
100.00%
99.00%
98.00%
97.00%
96.00%
95.00%
94.00%
93.00%
92.00%

Galle Face

Mount Lavinia

Graph 6 Comparison of Location A and Location B in terms of Water Transmittance

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

34

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Safety Survey Processing

Galle Face

Yes
No

Graph 7 Processed data from the Galle Face Safety Survey

Mount Lavinia

Yes
No

Graph 8 Processed data from the Mount Lavinia Safety Survey

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

35

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Comparison

8
7
6
5
Yes

No

3
2
1
0

Galle Face

Mount Lavinia

Graph 9 Comparison of Safety Survey data from Location A and Location B

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

36

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Beach Safety Survey Processing

Galle Face

2.5

1.5

0.5

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Graph 10 Processed data from beach safety survey in Galle Face

Mount Lavinia

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Site 1

Site 2

Graph 11 Processed beach safety survey in Mount Lavinia

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

37

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Comparison

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Galle Face

Mount Lavinia

Graph 12 Comparison of beach safety survey data from Location A and Location B

Word Count 151

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

38

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Analysis

To compare the two locations, five characteristics were considered; qualitative observations

such as pictures, the amount of litter at each of the sites, the potential hydrogen (pH) of water from
each of the sites, the transmittance of light through the water and finally a safety survey was
conducted. Water transmittance was measured as a way of judging the cleanliness of the water, as
the amount of light passing through the water would reduce as the amount of dirt in the water
increases.

In terms of picture comparisons, pictures of drains (Figure 14) showing trash stuffed in them

at Galle Face shows the abundance of garbage and the general uncleanliness of the area. To combat
this happening however, the Sri Lanka Navy has volunteered to clean Galle Face Green as a part of
their other duties.11 In addition to this, pictures of the cannons at Galle Face (Figure 19) stand for the
cultural significance of Galle Face Green. However, other images such as the image of the beach in
site 2 (Figure 14) again shows the incessant amounts of trash at Galle Face. It can be said that this
trash is due to direct pollution and not due to other factors such as sediment transfer and long shore
drift, as the presence of groins and gabions would prevent this. So, it can be said that despite the
fact that trashcans are abundantly available at Galle Face (Figure 18), the public still litter
incessantly. Thus, it can be said that the tireless effort of the Navy is neutered.

In the case of Mount Lavinia on the other hand, the its aesthetic beauty is evident due to its

relatively spotless beach (Figure 21). This is due to the fact that employees from the hotel and
surrounding establishments clean the beach at regular intervals. Despite this however, small
amounts of litter can be seen on the beach (Figure 22). The liter seen in these pictures is reflected in
the litter survey conducted at the two sites. However, the wall of the hotel facing the sea has a large
amount of litter on it (Figure 23). Upon inquiry, it was discovered that during high tide the water
reached the rocks near the wall. Thus, the litter accumulated here can be attributed to long shore
drift rather than direct pollution.

When aesthetics and qualitative observations alone are considered, the winner is clear;

Mount Lavinia Beach. However, due to the fact that Galle Face Green has very high cultural
significance, its value is greatly increased.

To consider the potential hydrogen (pH) test however, a Spearmans Rank Correlation

Coefficient test was conducted. As the ! value obtained was nearer to +1 than -1, it could be
concluded that there is indeed a strong positive correlation between the values of the pH survey.12
This could be attributed to the fact that nautically, these locations are close, so factors such as long-
shore drift may have cause pollution and other acidic and alkaline materials to be distributed in the
seas in the vicinity of Colombo. A possible point of waste distribution is the drain from the Beira

(Sri Lanka Navy)
(Royal Geographical Society)

11
12

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

39

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Lake (Figure 16). As this lake originates from the city, it could have industrial waste from factories
along the Beira Lake, which could contribute to the average Galle Face pH of 6.669. The water from
Mount Lavinia Beach on the other hand was more alkaline, with an average potential hydrogen
(pH) value of 8.1235. As acidic water is more dangerous than alkaline water, it can be said that due
to pollutants from the Beira Lake, water at Mount Lavinia is less harmful when compared to Galle
Face Green.

When the water transmittance of the water from the two locations is considered, the water

from Mount Lavinia has an average water transmittance of 100.115%. As this value is above 100%
light transmittance, it would mean that the water is completely clear. The fact that this reading is
over 100% can be attributed to the light rays that would reflect off salt crystals dissolved in the
water. When compared to Galle Face Green, the transmittance of water in Mount Lavinia is higher.
However, within Galle Face, there are large disparities between the water transmittance of site 1
and site 2 when compared to site 3. In site 1, the average water transmittance is 97.015%. In site 2,
the average water transmittance is 95.395%. However in site 3, the water transmittance drops to
97.072%. A sever drop in water transmittance can be seen between site 1, 2 and site 3. This could be
due to the fact that the drain from Beira Lake into the sea is in site 3. In addition to this, other
construction projects in the Greens vicinity13 could contribute to the waters uncleanliness. Due to
the green color (Figure 16) of the water from the drain, less light would pass through the water.

Finally, in terms of the safety, both Mount Lavinia and Galle Face have poor safety records.

If the averages were to be considered, 30% of all individuals at Galle Face stated that they would
visit the location alone after 6pm. The issue of Galle Faces security has been a public concern in the
past.14 Contrastingly, 55% of individuals asked at Mount Lavinia stated that they would visit the
beach alone after 6pm. This could be attributed to the fact that Mount Lavinia is located in a
suburban area, 12km from the city center. Upon observation, it was noted that at Galle Face Green,
the type of people present after 6pm tended to be more violent, and restricted to large amounts of
young males. At Mount Lavinia on the other hand, due to the large amount of restaurants available,
the number of families at the beach increases dramatically after 6pm.
Word Count - 959

(The Sunday Times Newspaper)

(Gunaratna)

13
14

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

40

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Conclusion
The results proved the hypotheses established at the beginning of the report. In the case of
Mount Lavinia, it lacked preventive measures, as there was only a single wall protecting the
railway track. In this site 1, the entire beach remained unprotected, as there were no visible forms of
protection. On the other hand, at Galle Face, the government has implemented a wide variety of
coastal protection mechanisms such as gabions and groins. They prevent long shore drift and
reduce beach erosion. In addition to this, the presence of a sea wall further protects the coastal
headland from retreating and the green would not be affected. Therefore, it can be said that
hypothesis 1 is true for location A (Galle Face Green), but proved false for location B (Mount
Lavinia Beach).

The second hypothesis was undoubtedly true since both locations have been affected by

human interaction. However, the extent to which this interaction has damaged the locations varied.
In the case of Galle Face Green, the presence of a drain from the Beira Lake and incessant littering
proved to be the problems created by unplanned human activities. Although the Sri Lankan Navy
cleaned the Beira Lake, they lack public support in maintaining the environment. However, in the
case of the Mount Lavinia, the qualitative data shows that the area is not polluted at all when
compared to Galle Face Green. Thus, it can be said that hypothesis 2 is true for location A (Galle
Face Green), but false for location B (Mount Lavinia Beach).

For the final hypothesis, it can be said that it was proved true for both locations. Qualitative
observations show that Mount Lavinia has a large number of private security guards appointed by
the hotels. On the other hand, Galle Face Green had security provided by the Sri Lankan Army. In
addition to this, the results from the safety survey correlated with the hypothesis that Mount
Lavinia was deemed as a safer place to visit at night.

Overall the study reflects that the coastal management techniques varied between the two locations
due to many reasons. Therefore, it could be suggested that there is need for integrated management
across various sectors such as tourism and urban planning. Coastal erosion results from the natural
action of waves, currents and a variety of human activities.
Word Count 385

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

41

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Evaluation

This investigation was highly successful as wide variety of factors was considered. For

example, the analytical tools and parameters analyzed at Galle Face and Mount Lavinia effectively
illustrated all characteristics of the locations. However, the Spearmans rank correlation coefficient
was not accurate due to small size of the data.
The investigation could be improved if the collection of data was more. Larger samples
representing wider population base would reflect in depth understanding about the activities of
population on the beach. The same holds true for scientific data as well, where more water samples
would have led to an understanding of quality of the surrounding beach environments.

In conclusion, I feel that despite the shortcomings endured during the course of the

investigation, the amount of research conducted in this area contributed to the unique learning
experience of pursuing an independent research project.

Word Count 141

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

42

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Bibliography
Central Intelligence Agency. CIA - The World Factbook -- Sri Lanka. 15 3 2012. 20 3 2012
<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ce.html>.

Daily

Mirror

Online.

Daily

Mirror

Sports.

25

2012.

29

2012

<http://sports.dailymirror.lk/2012/02/25/75th-annual-mount-lavinia-sea-swim-on-march-4/>.

Department of Government Information. Sri Lanka tourist arrivals increase in February. 16 3 2012.
Government of Sri Lanka. 22 3 2012 <http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1724-sri-lanka-tourist-
arrivals-increase-in-february>.

Google Inc. Google Maps. 2 5 2012. 2 5 2012 <http://maps.google.com/>.

Gunaratna, Harischandra. "Galle Face Green: A hive on undesirables." The Island 2 8 2006: 4.

Independent Television Network Web Division. GALLE FACE CLEARED OF LITTER ON
PRESIDENTS INSTRUCTIONS. 5 9 2011. 21 5 2012 <http://www.itnnews.lk/latest/?p=29329>.

Kamphuis, W J. Introduction to Coastal Engineering and Management. Singapore: World Scientific
Publishing Company Ltd., 2010.

Kirill. Colombo World Trade Center (tallest buildings in Sri Lanka). 28 1 2012. 15 5 2012
<http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/colombo-world-trade-center-tallest-buildings-in-sri-lanka/>.

Mount Lavinia Hotel. Mount Lavinia Hote :: Location. 15 4 2012. 29 4 2012
<http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/location_main.php>.

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

43

Rukmal Weerawarana

Mount

IBDP

Lavinia

Hotel

::

History.

15

2012.

29

2012

<http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/history_main.php>.

Purported Management Agreement or Lease enetered into on 12/15/2003 by the UDA (Urban
Development Authority) and E.A.P. Networks (Pvt) Ltd, whereby it was sought to hand over the
management and control of the 14 acre promenade of Colombo - the Galle Face Green tp E.A.P.
(Pvt) Ltd. No. 47/2004. The Supreme Court. Colombo, Sri Lanka: 2 11 2005.

Royal Geographical Society. "Spearmans Rank Correlation Coefficient Excel Guide." 26 2 2013.
Royal Geographic Society. 27 2 2013 <http://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/4844E3AB-B36D-4B14-
8A20-3A3C28FAC087/0/OASpearmansRankExcelGuidePDF.pdf>.

Sri Lanka Navy. Naval Personnel volunteer to keep Galle Face Beach Front clean and beautiful. 22 1
2010. 21 5 2012 <http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=2162>.

.

Navy

assists

in

cleaning

polluted

Beira

Lake

29

2011.

21

2012

<http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=2993>.

The Sunday Times Newspaper. Indias ITC now finalises deal, Sheraton moves to Kollupitiya. 13 5
2012.

21

2012

<http://sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19096%3Aindias-itc-now-
finalises-deal-sheraton-moves-to-kollupitiya&catid=77%3Anews&Itemid=563>.

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

44

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Appendix A: Raw Data and Readings

Galle Face
Qualitative Observations
Site

Qualitative Observation
Plotted plants are placed alongside the
walkway.
This is the busiest site at Galle Face.
There are 24 permanently structured shops
alongside the walkway.
Rock armor is present near the Galle Face
Hotel.
Due to erosion, a rock slab can be seen
between the pier and the hotel.
There is a colossal amount of graffiti
present on all walls, including the rock
platform.
There are many mobile vendors.
The beach is the longest in this section.
There are no shops in site 2, only mobile
vendors are present.
The slope of the beach in this section is
higher.
There are street lamps and potted plants in
the area, but they have not been
maintained.
The beach is wider in this section.
Only a groin and a sea wall15 are present to
protect the beach from erosion.
There is a large amount of visible waste in
materials dumped in the area.
This site is more crowded than site 2, but
less crowded than site 1.
The walkway fades into a pavement
alongside the road.
The beach has developed since it is a
sheltered area and due to the prevailing
action of long shore drift.
There is rubble dumped in the area, but
this acts as rock armor to protect the coast
from erosion.

*Refer Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6

(Kamphuis)

15

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

45

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Litter Survey
Site

Plastic
0
0%
34
38.6%
12
20%

1
1 (%)
2
2 (%)
3
3 (%)

Number of Pieces of Litter

Glass
Paper
0
0
0%
0%
24
23
27.3%
26.1%
30
14
50%
23.3%

Other
25
100%
7
8.0%
4
6.7%

Table 1 Unprocessed litter survey results for Location A

Potential Hydrogen (pH)

Site

Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Potential Hydrogen (pH)

[0.01]
6.69
6.70
6.65
6.73
6.74
6.64
6.64
6.75
6.63
6.74
6.74
6.54
6.65
6.70
6.68
6.73
6.69
6.64
6.59
6.69
6.56
6.68
6.67
6.45
6.75
6.67
6.66
6.56
6.80
6.70

Table 2 Unprocessed potential hydrogen (pH) readings for Location A

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

46

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Water Transmittance
Site

Reading

Transmittance (%) [0.01%]

84.78

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

99.98
99.99
99.98
85.52
99.98
99.98
99.99
99.97
99.98

107.58

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

93.03
90.98
91.92
91.34
91.61
92.81
94.44
94.69
105.55
89.74
99.97
88.44
99.98
76.26
94.42
99.98
89.93
91.46
90.54

Table 3 Unprocessed water transmittance readings for Location A

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

47

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Safety Survey
Question: Would you visit Galle Face Green after 6pm, alone?
Site

Person No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Answer
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes

Table 4 Unprocessed safety survey results for Location A

Beach Safety Survey

Type of Security

Galle Face
Site 2
1
1

Site 1
2
0

Security Guards
Lifeguards

Site 3
1
0

Table 5 Unprocessed beach safety survey for Galle Face

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

48

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Mount Lavinia
Qualitative Observations
Site

Qualitative Observation
This
site
had
significantly
less
establishments than site 2, as the Mount
Lavinia Hotel occupies most of the space.
Private security guards, hired by the hotel
supervise the area.
Despite the fact that having private
beaches in Sri Lanka is illegal, the security
guards do not permit people who are not
guests at the hotel to use the beach.
The size of the beach is large enough to
accommodate sports such as rugby.
The Mount Lavinia Train station is located
in this site.
The train tracks pass extremely close to the
sea, which is only protected by rock armor.
During high tide there is no room for
people to walk on the beach; only the train
track can be used.
There are many unauthorized temporary
houses near the train station.
There are a large numbers of permanently
structured boutique shops in this area.

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

49

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Litter Survey
Site

Plastic
4
50%
5
23.8%

1
1 (%)
2
2 (%)

Number of Pieces of Litter

Glass
Paper
0
3
0%
37.5%
7
1
33.3%
4.8%

Other
1
12.5%
8
38.1%

Table 6 Unprocessed litter survey results for Location B

Potential Hydrogen (pH)

Site

Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Potential Hydrogen (pH)

[0.01]
8.13
8.15
8.07
8.15
8.05
8.01
8.25
8.13
8.17
8.08
8.16
8.23
8.04
8.19
8.14
8.13
8.10
8.04
8.13
8.12

Table 7 Unprocessed potential hydrogen (pH) readings for Location B

Water Transmittance
Site

IB Geography SL

Reading
1
2
3

Transmittance (%) [0.01%]

99.98
99.97
99.98

99.98

5
6
7

99.97
101.56
99.98

99.97

99.98

001426-005|dwd913

50

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

10

99.98

99.97

99.98

99.98

99.97

5
6
7

106.58
99.97
94.58

99.97

9
10

99.97
99.98

Table 8 Unprocessed water transmittance readings for Location B

Safety Survey
Question: Would you visit Mount Lavinia Beach after 6pm, alone?
Site

Person No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Answer
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No

Table 9 Unprocessed safety survey results for Location B

Beach Safety Survey

Type of Security
Security Guards
Lifeguards

Mount Lavinia
Site 1
7
1

Site 2
1
0

Table 10 Unprocessed beach survey results for Mount Lavinia Beach

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

51

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Appendix B: Averages for Litter Survey Processing

Galle Face

0 + 34 +12 0 + 24 + 30 0 + 23+14 25 + 7 + 4
+
+
+
3
3
3
3

Avg(LocationA) =
4

Avg(LocationA) = 57.67

Mount Lavinia

4 + 5 0 + 7 3+1 1+ 8
+
+
+
2
2
2
2
Avg(LocationB) =
4

Avg(LocationB) = 14.5

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

52

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Appendix C: Averages for Potential Hydrogen

(pH) Processing
Galle Face

Avg(Site1, LocationA) =

6.69 + 6.70+6.65+6.73+6.74+6.64+6.64+6.75+6.63+6.74

10

Avg(Site1, LocationA) = 6.691 0.1

Avg(Site2, LocationA) =

6.74+6.54 + 6.65 + 6.70 + 6.68 + 6.73+ 6.69 + 6.64 + 6.59 + 6.69

10

Avg(Site2, LocationA) = 6.665 0.1

Avg(Site3, LocationA) =

6.56+6.68+6.67+6.45+6.75+6.67+6.66+6.56+6.80+6.70

10

Avg(Site3, LocationA) = 6.65 0.1

Avg(LocationA) =

6.691+ 6.665 + 6.65

3

Avg(LocationA) = 6.669

Mount Lavinia

Avg(Site1, LocationB) =

8.13+8.15+8.07+8.15+8.05+8.01+8.25+8.13+8.17+8.08

10

Avg(Site1, LocationB) = 8.119 0.1

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

53

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Avg(Site2, LocationB) =

8.16+8.23+8.04+8.19+8.14+8.13+8.10+8.04+8.13+8.12

10

Avg(Site2, LocationB) = 8.128 0.1

Avg(LocationB) =

8.119 + 8.128

2

Avg(LocationB) = 8.1235

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

54

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Appendix D: Averages for Water Transmittance

Processing
Galle Face

84.78+99.98+99.99+99.98+85.52+99.98+99.98+99.99+99.97+99.98

10

Avg(LocationA, Site1) =

Avg(LocationA, Site1) = 97.015% 0.1%

Avg(LocationA, Site2) =

107.58+93.03+90.98+91.92+91.34+91.61+92.81+94.44+94.69+105.55

10

Avg(LocationA, Site2) = 95.395% 0.1%

Avg(LocationA, Site3) =

89.74+99.97+88.44+99.98+76.26+94.42+99.98+89.93+91.46+90.54

10

Avg(LocationA, Site3) = 92.072% 0.1%

Avg(LocationA) =

97.015% + 95.395% + 92.072%

3

Avg(LocationA) = 94.8273%

Mount Lavinia

Avg(LocationB, Site1) =

99.98+99.97+99.98+99.98+99.97+101.56+99.98+99.97+99.98+99.98

10

Avg(LocationB, Site1) = 100.135% 0.1%

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

55

Rukmal Weerawarana

Avg(LocationB, Site2) =

IBDP

99.97+99.98+99.98+99.97+106.58+99.97+94.58+99.97+99.97+99.98

10

Avg(LocationB, Site2) = 100.095% 0.1%

Avg(LocationB) =

100.135% +100.095%

2

Avg(LocationB) = 100.115%

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

56

Rukmal Weerawarana

IBDP

Appendix E: Calculation of Spearmans Rank

correlation coefficient for pH
Sample
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

pH Average
Rank
pH Average
Rank
(Location A) (Location A) (Location B) (Location B)
6.596666667
3
8.145
6
6.713333333
8
8.19
10
6.556666667
2
8.055
1
6.64
6
8.17
8
6.746666667
10
8.095
4
6.6
4
8.07
2
6.713333333
9
8.175
9
6.55
1
8.085
3
6.626666667
5
8.15
7
6.686666667
7
8.1
5

-3
-2
1
-2
6
2
0
-2
-2
2

9
4
1
4
36
4
0
4
4
4

! = 9 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 36 + 4 + 0 + 4 + 4 + 4
! = 70

= 10
! = 1000
! = 990

! = 1
=1

6 !

!

670

1000 10

=1

420

990

! = 0.5757

IB Geography SL

001426-005|dwd913

57